Back digger operator vs aerial tram operator

The differences between back digger operators and aerial tram operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a back digger operator and an aerial tram operator. Additionally, an aerial tram operator has an average salary of $47,634, which is higher than the $37,718 average annual salary of a back digger operator.

Back digger operator vs aerial tram operator overview

	Back Digger Operator	Aerial Tram Operator
Yearly salary	$37,718	$47,634
Hourly rate	$18.13	$22.90
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	31,523	26,139
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Back digger operator vs aerial tram operator salary

Back digger operators and aerial tram operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Back Digger Operator	Aerial Tram Operator
Average salary	$37,718	$47,634
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $54,000	Between $27,000 And $83,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between back digger operator and aerial tram operator education

There are a few differences between a back digger operator and an aerial tram operator in terms of educational background:

	Back Digger Operator	Aerial Tram Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering Technology	Computer Applications
Most common college	-	-

Back digger operator vs aerial tram operator demographics

Here are the differences between back digger operators' and aerial tram operators' demographics:

	Back Digger Operator	Aerial Tram Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 97.7% Female, 2.3%	Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between back digger operator and aerial tram operator duties and responsibilities

Back digger operator example responsibilities.

Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.

Aerial tram operator example responsibilities.

Perform payload operations and flight engineer duties including creating and managing Sigact (significant acts) PowerPoint presentations.
Perform payload operations and flight engineer duties including creating and managing Sigact (significant acts) PowerPoint presentations.
Have ran draglines, trackhoes, backhoes, dozers, versahandlers, crains, and directional bore drilling equipment.

Back digger operator vs aerial tram operator skills

Common back digger operator skills

Hand Tools, 44%
PPE, 35%
Safety Procedures, 14%
CDL License, 7%

Common aerial tram operator skills

Back Digger Operator vs. similar jobs

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Transportation Industry
Back Digger Operator
Back Digger Operator vs Aerial Tram Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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